To vote or not to vote?

Everyone has a voice that they want to be heard. Whether is it about who they believe should be voted off the Bachelorette or who they are voting for in the next election, opinions are something that everyone has and loves to share.

This November, there will be a Presidential election and since every vote counts it is important for young people to get out and cast their vote. Young people are not afraid to share their thoughts about the world on social media sites such as Twitter, so why not cast your ballot instead of hitting the tweet button?

Some young people are frightened by the idea of participating in government, but by voting and sharing your voice, the government will hear you. Voting is a quick and easy way to get involved in politics at the early age of 18. According to the Huffington Post, the right to vote gives people power to choose what policies they agree with and which ones they do not agree with.

Chances are that young people will follow the political party and have the same political identities as their parents. However, voting gives young people their first opportunity to establish their own thoughts and opinions independent of their parents. Young people should be able to represent themselves instead of listening to others who just tell them what to believe and what to say.

How many times have you had to explain the slang word “bae” or the “talking stage” in relationships to your parents? Adults just do not seem to understand our generation, so why would we want them making all the decisions for us? Voting ensures that our voices are heard and taking a stand on what is important to us will help set the path of our future.

Voting is a right all Americans have and it should not be taken for granted. Women did not always have the right to vote and in some other countries citizens still do not have that right. It was not until the 19th amendment was passed that women were given suffrage. When people do not vote, they are not honoring the lives lost and the blood, sweat and tears our ancestors shed for future generations so they could live in a better America.  Young people should vote because it is the American way.

The youth is the future and with young people taking the necessary steps now America will benefit from change in policies in the long run. Young people are the future and the choices they make today will impact how the world is run down the road. Every vote counts!